Pacific shippers say dock crews are slowing down in Seattle, Tacoma

Los Angeles

PACIFIC Coast dockworkers negotiating a new labour agreement have begun a work slowdown in Seattle and Tacoma, management said on Monday, in the first large job action since their contract expired in July.

The slowdown by members of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) reduced container movement to 10-18 per hour from 25-35, the Pacific Maritime Association, representing terminal operators and shipping lines, said in a statement. The two ports handle an estimated 16 per cent of containerized cargo on the West Coast, it said.